These Are the 2021 Flooring Trends Home Shoppers Need to Know About

By Realtor.com Creative Studio
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First comes moving, then comes improving…right? Maybe not.

Especially when it comes to flooring, the best time to renovate your new home could actually be before you’ve moved in. With no furniture to move or family to work around, your empty new house is a perfect candidate for beautiful new floors and no added stress.

To make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running with your flooring project, Sarah Fishburne, Director of Trend and Design for The Home Depot, shared the trends she’s seeing emerge for new homeowners. This is your time to imagine all the ways you’ll bring these trends to life in your new place, and with tools and tech from The Home Depot, you can start right now. Which trend is speaking to you?

Material and pattern

The Shop by Trend filter on The Home Depot’s app will be your best friend when it comes to finding the of-the-moment material that’s just right for your space. And don’t be afraid to go bold while you browse—character is the name of the game in flooring materials. Here’s what’s trending:

    • Natural materials
      Natural materials are timeless, sophisticated, and will never go out of style. Hardwood is a classic choice in this category and complements almost any style of furniture and decor, making it a great option for large, open spaces and hallways. Other natural materials such as stone, stone-look, and large-format marble lend themselves to small statement spaces, like entryways and powder rooms. When it comes to colors for stone, white and gray will always look classic, but consider neutral-adjacent colors like black or green to up the glamour.

 

    • Zellige tile
      Zellige tile is inspired by tiles handmade in Morocco, notable for its organic texture and nearly-invisible grout lines. This tile’s pearlescent quality comes from the way it reflects light, bringing immediate luxury into a kitchen or bathroom. Because of its unique design, it is a good idea to use a professional for installation to get the look just right for your new space.

 

  • Geometric patterns
    The classic hexagon tile is broadening its horizons to even bolder shapes, such as triangles and diamonds. These are a great way to bring personalization to your flooring and build creative layouts that are unique to you and your home.

Color

When it comes to color, inspiration is all around you. If you spot a floor that speaks to you (on a friend’s patio, in a restaurant bathroom, or almost anywhere), snap a photo and use the app’s Image Search feature. It will analyze the picture and suggest visually similar products to help you find the look you love, even if you don’t know what it’s called. While you’re on the lookout for color inspiration, keep an eye out for one of these trending palettes:

    • Blue and green
      The traditional blue color story’s fun younger sibling, a blue and green motif, is a bold way to make a statement that still feels rooted in the familiar. If this palette seems way out of your comfort zone, consider natural blue tones like navy and slate, and hunter or sage greens. If you’re up for being a little more adventurous, this lively pairing is perfect for a space that can stand up to some fun (think mudroom or kid’s bathroom). The beauty of these hues is that you can go as subtle or as bold as you want. To really make your mark on your new place, consider taking on one of these as a DIY project. A bright palette in a small space is a great project for a beginner, and you can rent the tools you need from The Home Depot.

 

    • Warm brown tones
      Light to medium brown hardwood is a classic that will grow with your personal style, making it a great choice for new homeowners looking to evolve their space over time. Its familiarity and nostalgia immediately make your house feel homier, and it’s versatile enough to be laid throughout your entire home.

 

  • Neutrals
    Creams, beiges, and off-whites make for a calm, relaxing backdrop. These are especially good choices for areas with limited natural light, or for making a small space feel larger. If you’re someone who likes to change out your throw pillows every season, a neutral foundation will complement any design style you decide to explore.

Style

Style is as much about the vibe you want your home to embody as the materials you choose. Think about how you want to feel when you step through the door—cozy, energized, zen—and let those feelings guide you as you try out these trends:

    • Rustic heirloom
      This style celebrates natural materials and timeworn surfaces. To achieve this look at home, complement rustic wood grains in your floors with washed out and distressed textiles, and incorporate vintage-inspired furniture and decor. This style is particularly kid- and pet-friendly as the wear and tear of life adds to the look (and reduces your stress).

 

  • Maximalism
    This style is all about curating your space with purposeful mismatching, layering of materials and patterns, and embracing organized clutter. For your home, this could mean contrasting the natural character found in wood planks and marble with whimsical patterns and a bold color palette. This is an opportunity to embrace and curate your favorite things for a look that’s uniquely yours.

Once you’ve found a style that feels like a fit, it’s time to get down to business. Watch a quick how-to video and start a shopping list right inside The Home Depot app (even check what’s available in your local store) so that when it’s time to move in, you’ll step across the threshold onto new floors that are just right for your home.